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Wikipedia

Common wombat

The common wombat (Vombatus ursinus), also known as the coarse-haired wombat or bare-nosed wombat, is a marsupial, one of three species of wombats and the only one in the genusVombatus. The common wombat grows to an average of 98 cm (39 in) long and a weight of 26 kg (57 lb).

Common wombats can be found at any elevation in the south of their range, however in the north of their range are only found in higher, more mountainous areas. They may be found in a variety of habitats including rainforest, eucalyptus forest, woodland, alpine grassland and coastal areas. In some regions they have adapted to farmland and can even be seen grazing in open fields with cattle and sheep.

Common wombats are sturdy and built close to the ground. When fully grown, they can reach between 80 and 130 cm, and weigh between 17 and 40 kg. The wombats found on Tasmania and Flinders Island are often smaller than their mainland counterparts. It is distinguished from both hairy-nosed wombats by its bald nose.

Common wombats are a solitary, territorial species, with each wombat having an established range in which it lives and feeds. In this area, they dig a tunnel system, with tunnels ranging anywhere from 2 to 20 metres in length, along with many sidetunnels. There is usually only one entrance to the burrow, although they may create a smaller one to escape with. Often nocturnal, the common wombat does come out during the day in cooler weather, such as in early morning or late afternoon.[7]

The common wombat can breed every two years and produce a single joey. The gestation period is about 20-30 days, and the young remain in the pouch for five months. When leaving the pouch, they weigh between 3.5 and 6.5 kg (7.7 and 14.3 lb). The joey is weaned at around 12 to 15 months of age, and is usually independent at 18 months of age.[7] Wombats have an average lifespan of 15 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity.